We'll Be Counting Stars (A Pokemon Short Story)

Chapter Two

The day had finally arrived. Stella was currently waiting in the coordinators' lounge, sitting between Raven and Caramia. Caramia had her Infernape out again and Raven was holding her Piplup, Pearly. Her sister and cousin were deep in conversation, but Stella didn't join in. She was busy thinking about the final battle that was minutes away.

"Stella, you've been awfully quiet," Caramia noticed. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," Stella lied. "Just nervous."

The truth was that she was feeling guilty. She had not slept well after she snapped at Astro that night. He had hit a little too close to home. He was right about her. She had been so absorbed in being Top Coordinator that she had no time for fun. She didn't 'smell the roses', always thinking it would distract her from her goal.

"You shouldn't be nervous at all!" Raven piped up as her Piplup gave a loud agreeing, "Pip, piplup!"

"Just think about it, darling!" added Caramia. "You could be famous if you beat Savannah! So many interviews, cameras, fans... even cute guys!"

"Caramia!" Stella snapped loudly, making her cousin and Tarzan snicker. Caramia had a long history of trying to hook Stella up for blind dates. The most embarrassing was when Caramia tried to get Sinnoh Gym Leader Roark to go on a date with Stella.

"Shame, he would have made such a good boyfriend for you," Caramia had huffed after Stella downright refused to date him.

The three girls turned after hearing footsteps behind them. Savannah had just entered the lounge, bring a strong smell of flowery perfume with her. A wide smirk was stretched across her pale face after seeing Stella, Raven, and Caramia.

"Well if it ain't you losers," She sneered. "Ready to get a good beating?"

"I think you should ask yourself that," Stella growled, glaring at her.

"Oh, don't be so sure of yourself. I've been training hard for this moment."

"Join the club," Caramia snarled, standing up and cracking her knuckles. "It's been awhile since we've seen you, Savannah. How's life? Sorry, bad subject, considering that you only have a few seconds."

Savannah's smirk turned into a scowl as she retorted, "Look, the tomboy came. Broken anyone's bones lately?"

"Not yet, so I'd watch it. Tarzan just made Mommy proud and learned Close Combat last week. We haven't tried it out in battle yet, but we could use an assistant."

At this, Caramia's Infernape growled and cracked his knuckles too. Savannah snorted and turned to look at Stella.

"See you on the battlefield, loser," she hissed before going down the hall that led to the field.

Just as she left, the door to the lobby opened and a woman looked inside. After seeing Stella, the woman told her, "The final match is about to begin, Miss Knight. Please head toward the field."

Stella nodded and the woman left. Raven jumped up and squeaked excitedly, "It's time, oh Stella, good luck!"

"We'll be in the front row cheering for you, Stella," Caramia assured her. "Do your best, cousin!"